Share via email
I am Margaret Pendergrass and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked with diverse clients over the years and I am passionate about exploring the origins of challenging thoughts and feelings, self-compassionate goal-setting, and living by one’s values in any situation.
My approach
Whether working on anxiety, grief, or a life change, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients explore their values, set goals for the future, and accept their challenging emotions and thoughts. I take a personalized approach for each client, pulling methods from other modalities as well such as mindfulness and existential therapy. I believe it is important for the therapist and client to work as a team in finding a way to change.
My focus
I specialize in working with clients that are not satisfied or finding meaning in their daily lives. Sometimes this is due to debilitating anxiety, the loss of a loved one, a new diagnosis, or general life stressors. I have particular satisfaction in looking for the meaning in a less-than-ideal situation and accepting the things that cannot be changed.
My communication style
You and I will work together as a team in each session to cultivate a casual and relaxed environment. I am a supportive listener who takes detailed notes and spends time considering our interactions in between sessions. I also enjoy educating clients about their diagnosis and psychology so that they can understand the origin of their feelings and thoughts.
My goals for you
You will take the lead in setting your own goals for therapy and I will help with accountability, follow-up, and goal-setting techniques. I believe in self-compassionate behavioral change and setting intentions and habits for change.
My first session with you
Our first session gives us the opportunity to get to know each other. I will ask questions to get to know you and your background and I’ll answer your questions about my approach. Since our relationship is an important indicator of the success of therapy, we will keep an open and ongoing discussion about progress and questions past the first session as well.
